Since 1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors, this high region has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. The Markha Valley Trek Tour offers a large diversity of landscape from the jagged Kongmaru-la pass (5060m) to the green oasis of Karakoram snow-capped peaks. Many scattered high villages, each with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes, add color to this otherwise quite barren environment and provide the chance to meet the Ladakhi peasants in the simplicity of their daily life. Markha program will be an opportunity to visit the old monastery, famous for its paintings.
Whilst every effort is made to keep to the above itinerary, clients will hopefully appreciate that this is an Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region. There will quite likely be changes to the itinerary in terms of anything from on-the-spot choice of campsite. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns, the guide will do everything in his power to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible in such circumstances.
Arrival at Delhi IGI Airport, Transfer to the Hotel.
Fly to Leh (3500m) by flight. Afternoon at leisure in Leh where we can take a walk to the colorful bazaar. Stay overnight at hotel.
Free day in Leh. Morning sightseeing of Phyang & Spituk monastries. Stay overnight at Hotel.
Leave the Indus valley and head south. Trek along the river whose banks are punctuated with ochre rocks.
Trek from Chokdo to Latza Kongmaru (4800m) in 5 hrs. After crossing narrow gorges, start ascension towards the Kongmaru La.
From the pass, there are great views north towards eastern Korakoram and China, whilst the southern view is dominated by the shapely Kang Yatze (6400m) and the Ladakhi range. Take a ridge trail and descend zigzagging across scree. Afterwards, the path meets the Nimaling summer pastures, used by Hankar and Markha shepherds.
Steadily descend through meadows to Thachutse and cross the Nimaling river. The trail follows the Markha river now, and will do so for the next few days.
Several monasteries and ruins are scattered along the trail to Markha. After Umlung the valley narrows and becomes a gorge just before Markha. This large village has a fort and a monastery perched on the northern hill. The gompa is reputed to be one of the oldest in Ladakh.
The trail passes through quite lush riverside vegetation. En-route, there are more derelict monasteries; some well maintained Chortens and at least one good example of a wolf trap. Wolves become a nuisance during the winter as hunger forces them into the villages.
Cross the Markha river and cross it on bridges set at many of the most difficult crossing places. From a tiny group of stupas, leave the valley and continue upwards along a river bounded by willows and wild rosebushes.
At the pass, colorful prayer flags flap in the wind, with the Zanskari range in the background. Afterwards, descend steadily along the Zingchan river. There are great views towards the Stok summit and the Stok Kangri (6121m).
Descending from the pass, enjoy excellent views towards the Indus valley. Eventually, reach Stok, which is famous for its palace and museum.
This is a surety day, in case the flight back to Delhi is cancelled due to bad weather.
Fly from Leh – Delhi by plane. On Arrival transfer to Hotel. Free day in Delhi. Stay overnight at hotel.
Fly from Delhi to Home : On time transfer to Indira Gandi International Airport (Delhi) to fly home.
Important Note:
Whilst every effort is made to keep to the above itinerary, clients will hopefully appreciate that this is an Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region. There will quite likely be changes to the itinerary in terms of anything from on-the-spot choice of campsite. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns, the guide will do everything in his power to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible in such circumstances.
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